Galatasaray have submitted a €45 million (£38.4m/$51.8m) offer to Arsenal for Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli, putting the Premier League champions under pressure to make a major decision over his future.
The Turkish champions have made Martinelli one of their priority targets and have now placed a formal proposal on Arsenal’s table. Multiple reports on Thursday confirmed the €45m approach.
Martinelli, 25, has been available for a possible transfer for several months as Arsenal consider changes on the left side of their attack.
The Gunners have already strengthened that position this summer by signing Greece international Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for €40m.
That deal followed the departure of Leandro Trossard, who joined Turkish side Besiktas for €20m last month.
Arsenal have also considered more ambitious targets as they look to strengthen their attack. Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior was explored before the Brazilian agreed a new contract in Spain, while Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and Chelsea winger Pedro Neto have also been identified as possible options.
Galatasaray’s bid now forces Arsenal to decide whether Martinelli should become another significant departure.
His contractual situation could play an important role. Martinelli has entered the final year of his existing deal, although Arsenal hold an option to extend it by another 12 months. His current agreement is reportedly worth around £180,000 per week.
There is also no guarantee that Martinelli will accept a move to Istanbul.
Detailed negotiations over personal terms have yet to take place, and reports suggest the Brazilian is not currently pushing to leave Arsenal.
Martinelli has been at the Emirates since Arsenal signed him from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 for about £6m.
He has since established himself as an important member of the Gunners’ attack, scoring 41 Premier League goals. He also featured for Brazil at this summer’s World Cup.
His performances last season helped Arsenal end their long wait for another Premier League crown, with the Gunners winning the title for the first time in 22 years. Martinelli made 53 appearances across all competitions, contributing 11 goals and seven assists as Arsenal also reached the Champions League final.
However, Arsenal’s transfer strategy appears to be changing.
The club are moving towards a model that places greater emphasis on generating significant income through player sales. That could result in more established first-team players leaving if suitable offers arrive.
Galatasaray’s €45m proposal represents a substantial return on Arsenal’s original £6m investment, but the Gunners must weigh that against the Brazilian’s experience, his importance to the squad and the cost of finding an upgrade.
And even if Arsenal decide to accept the Turkish champions’ offer, Galatasaray would still have to convince Martinelli that Istanbul should be the next destination in his career.
